[samuelofisrael]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Branham's big mistake was thinking he could teach the Bible. I believe he was called to preach the gospel but not teach the Bible. He had astounding ministry in the gifts, and Paul explained such gifts do not validtae one's teachings. Unfortunately Branhamites differ. Gordon Lindsay warned him several times to stay away from teaching, but he "liked" to teach. So so so so sad.

After over 40 years acquainted with the Branhamites, I am not sure WMB "had" an astounding ministry in the "gifts" at all. His mainstay was the alleged discernment which was really a "word of knowledge" which he attributed to his "angel."If push came to shove it might be that AA Allen had as many if not more "claimed" healings, manifestations than Branham. Either way, I agree that the teaching phase of the man's ministry is what unmasked him in the end. Prior to the internet there was little ability to ferret out his claims and doctrine. POST internet a person could discover about anything about any issue. And then it began to come apart. Far too many holes and unanswered questions.

Gifts do not validate doctrine as accurate.

Bottom line in my estimation: why bother with it as a faith issue? Clearly the man was NOT vindicated and he was far from infallible in his prophecy, visions, predictions and certainly not his doctrine. End game is a deceived cult composed of either the fearful, the ignorant, the gullible, the joining because the family is involved or possibly because they find common ground in the fact Bill was a hunter or an outdoorsman or even because he took an apparent hard stand on the woman issue. Personally I never knew any of the Message types who were hard on their wives and a few were henpecked if the truth be known.

As has been said here on the forum and years ago, they are a mixed bag. Some are in the Twilight Zone, some are clearly unbalanced, idolaters, deluded but sincere and the "firebrand" who believes they have discovered the theological end of the rainbow. It takes all types and they have them.

My personal advice is to leave their congregations, free oneself of their influence, find a Bible teaching, careing Christian fellowship with a seasoned pastor and eldership. William Branham was NOT the "restoration of the Word." Far from it. He added to the confusion.

Even so, come soon Lord Jesus